The relationship between reported unwanted sexual experiences
(USE) and psychological disturbance is now widely recognized. However,
the factors that mediate between USE and psychopathology are not
adequately understood. One factor that has been suggested to be
important is the way in which any attempt at disclosure is
received. This study investigates how different perceived responses to
attempted disclosure of abuse are related to psychological function in
a nonclinical sample. A perceived adverse response to disclosure was
associated with greater levels of psychopathology, particularly oral
control, dissociation, and self-denigration. Suggestions are made for
further research, and the clinical implications of the findings are
discussed.